ROMANCE

The Dating Dare

by Jayci Lee
St. Martin’s Griffin. (A Sweet Mess, Bk. 2). Aug. 2021. 320p. ISBN 9781250621122. pap. $16.99. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
COPY ISBN
In Lee’s follow-up to A Sweet Mess, Tara attends her best friend’s wedding, where she spends time with the bride’s new brother-in-law. Feeling lonely and worried about the change in her friendship, Tara flirts with Seth, who’s the groom’s brother. She agrees to go on four dates with Seth before he’s supposed to leave for Paris. Tara likes temporary relationships, where she can shield herself from feeling more. Seth goes all in on their dates and quickly realizes their bargain is more than he could’ve hoped for. While Tara continues to deny her feelings, and Seth becomes more open with his, they must decide if they’re destined for a happily-ever-after, or if four dates is the end of their story.
VERDICT Though Lee tries to create chemistry between her leads, much of their banter falls flat. Tara’s growth at the book’s end feels forced and insincere, and Seth’s journey offers no surprises. Fans of the first book will likely enjoy this follow-up, but new readers may be disappointed with the lackluster story.
Reviewed by Claire Brown, Red Deer P.L., AB , Jun 01, 2021
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

FICTION

A Novel Love Story
by Poston, Ashley
FICTION

Summer Romance
by Monaghan, Annabel
FICTION

A Love Like the Sun
by Neilson, Riss M
FICTION

Cross the Line
by Soltani, Simone
FICTION

Triple Sec
by Alexander, TJ
FICTION

The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love
by Holton, India
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?